The only way a Zelda series or movie would really work is if it were done in the traditional anime style for which it was originaly developed in. (In Japan, just about all story boarding in games is done in anime/manga style cause that's the only way they know how to draw!)

1. Official Live Action wouldn't work cause they'd take to many liberties with the existing cannon.

2. A fan made Live Action wouldn't work cause it wouldn't have near enough of a budget to please expectations.

3. An american drawn (or just drawn in traditional western style) series wouldn't work due to our expected views on existing characters. Link was designed in anime style and though he appears very differently in-game, the physical difference seen in western style art would still most likely prove displeasing to most Zelda fans.

4. And of course if it were to be done in anime style (which mind you, Zelda Mangas have been made and distributed with a drawing style and story elements that were very well recieved by most Zelda fans) would most likely fit best as most Zelda story boarding was originaly done in older Anime/Manga style.

Now, going back to point 3. If the series had to be done in Western Style, the only way it would really prove visually pleasing is if it were to be animated in the old water-color, hand illustrated style that older Disney movies and the original Lord of the Rings animated movies were known for. The style of the 40's and 50's. This darker more skillfully drawn style would make even the existing Zelda cartoon more bareable (granted the terrible plot and character development would still grant it ridicule and jokes).

Still for now, untill Nintendo decideds otherwise, I believe a Zelda movie or series should be left to the realm of dreams and wishing. As I kind of fear the result.

Traditionally, when Manga become anime. It's usually 3 chapters per episode. It would be a very short series. However, if they made ALL existing Zelda manga into anime. And boxed it all up as one series. Then it would make a respectable anime.

There wouldn't have to be a timeline. They could play it off like Nintendo "This is but one of the many tales the people speak" They're all tales of the Legend of Zelda, who cares which came first, story time doesn't need a back story, at least not like games do!

I'm talking about an anime adaption of the manga. In which case, I would prefer that FUNimation did the american voice attacking.

But with the idea of a live action Zelda movie, I would want under rated, unheard of indie actors that know what they're doing, look like their respective character, and don't carry any existing weight coming into the movie.